Less than 48 hours to the elections of the Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF), the Electoral Committee has assured of a credible process that would be free and fair.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Francis Sokari told Kristina Reports on Friday, July 7, 2023 in Bonny Island, Rivers State that “the process has been transparent, so far, and that’s how we intend to keep it to the end”.
The Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF) is the convergence point for professionals of Bonny origin from diverse fields of endeavour. It was formed in 1996 and has remain the advocacy platform and melting pot of ideas for development of Bonny Kingdom since then.
The tenure of its executive is two years with members open to seeking reelection for another one term, according to its constitution.
This year’s election, according to the Electoral Committee holds by 2pm on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at the auditorium of the Bonny Youths Federation (BYF) along King Asimini Bypass, popularly known as Berger Road.
According to the committee, presentation of manifesto begins by 2pm, accreditation and voting by 2:50pm, and sorting and announcements by 3:50pm.
The committee chairman informed that the newly elected executive would work with the outgoing leadership to fix a date for inauguration, adding that only registered members can vote and they must present a valid means of identification.
Responding to issues raised by BGF members, the Electoral Committee Chairman clarified that on the issue of a sole candidate for president, the sale of forms was open to every member for the 11 days’ window and only one person purchased the form.
“The sale of forms was open from 19th to 30th of June. He was the only one that bought the form. The Eleco did not restrict nor deprive anyone from vying for positions.”
On the non-publication of the voters’ list given that it was less than 48 hours to the polls and there may be omissions, corrections and objections, he stated that “the voter’s list is intact. It will be available for every registered voter to access”.
He further stated that the authenticity of the list would not be in contention as “the voters register is extracted from the forum’s site. We only use what we are given and we are not to rectify the list”.
Sokari assured every stakeholder of his committee’s efforts to ensure a credible process, disclosing that the relevant security agencies have been notified of the election and would be there to provide security cover, appealing to BGF members and those contesting to adhere to the guidelines to make it a success.
“The DSS and the Nigerian Police have our letters of notification. There will be observers, security, and stakeholders to witness the process. We have a guideline we want voters to follow while we do our path.”
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